On the third day of Joe’s disappearance, Frank was sitting at the desk in his bedroom, once again reading through statements. Biff sat in the spare chair feeling useless. He could tell that Frank had barely slept but it was pointless suggesting he nap.

Suddenly the doorbell rang a number of times in quick succession. Frank crossed quickly to the window and looked down to see several reporters crowded on the front path.

‘Can’t they take a hint!?’ he exclaimed hoarsely. ‘It’s not enough that Joe’s missing, they have to hang around like vultures!’

Biff leapt to his feet, thankful at the thought of being able to do something useful.

‘Leave them to me buddy. I’ll get rid of them and make sure they don’t come back!’

Leaving Frank at the window Biff charged down the stairs as the doorbell rang another few times. Biff was relieved that Mr. Hardy had taken his wife for a drive to get her out of the house for a while. These creeps had no respect!

Biff reached the front door and swung it open angrily, just as a finger was once again poised to press the doorbell.

‘You people make me sick!’ Biff exploded.

Upstairs, Frank allowed himself a thin smile at the sound of Biff letting off steam. He was a good friend.

‘Frank! Come down here! Frank!’

At the frantic calling of his friend, Frank bolted down the stairs. As he reached the bottom he froze momentarily. It couldn’t be! In the centre of a throng of reporters, all clamouring and questioning, was Biff Hooper with his arms supporting a very dazed and confused looking Joe!